I want to start yak fishing in the ocean

[FISH11]

The X13 is designed for paddling and the Hobie (minus the mirage drive) is not. The X13 paddles faster then some larger kayaks but is narrower then most 14+foot kayaks so it trades off some stability. At 6'4" and 195lbs plus all the gear you need for ocean fishing, like bait tank, etc. I think even the X13 might be to short. For surf launching and landing a longer kayak works best, it also works better when the wind is blowing and it get like a washing machine out there. With your size I think you should look for an older Ocean Kayak Prowler or Malibu X factor or Stealth 14. Look for a kayak with a 31" to 33" width and over 14" in length. If you keep looking, they often show up on this site's for sale or trade threads. Better to buy once then be looking to change after only a short time of ocean fishing.

[guest who]

Originally Posted by FISH11

With your size I think you should look for an older Ocean Kayak Prowler or Malibu X factor or Stealth 14. Look for a kayak with a 31" to 33" width and over 14" in length. If you keep looking, they often show up on this site's for sale or trade threads. Better to buy once then be looking to change after only a short time of ocean fishing.

Ok, thanks for the tips. I found a prowler for 400 in LA so I'm going to investigate that alittle further. What do you think about the wilderness system kayaks?
There's a 12' http://slo.craigslist.org/spo/5068557869.html
and a 13.5' http://slo.craigslist.org/boa/5039242736.html

[TJones]

Originally Posted by guest who

Ok, thanks for the tips. I found a prowler for 400 in LA so I'm going to investigate that alittle further. What do you think about the wilderness system kayaks?
There's a 12' http://slo.craigslist.org/spo/5068557869.html
and a 13.5' http://slo.craigslist.org/boa/5039242736.html

Probably the later . If your just getting out for quick sessions and gonna bring minimal gear , some of the smaller yaks will work for you . You are borderline on weight . If you were 20-40 lbs heavier , you would have an issue . Try to check manufactures web site to pull up specs for weight ratings before pulling the trigger . Take into account for gear , tank , meter , and batteries . You can add upwards of a hundred pounds .

[TJones]

Is a steal

[tacmik]

Originally Posted by guest who

Ok, thanks for the tips. I found a prowler for 400 in LA so I'm going to investigate that alittle further. What do you think about the wilderness system kayaks?
There's a 12' http://slo.craigslist.org/spo/5068557869.html
and a 13.5' http://slo.craigslist.org/boa/5039242736.html

Of the two, the ride is a better deal. 1.5ft longer and already decked out with a lot of what you will want to eventually get. Wilderness yak is a great yak but you will have to upgrade the seat before you even take it out. another 150 to 200 bucks for a decent seat. You won't last 2 hours with that plastic backrest it is showing.

[Bert Vega]

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ad.php?t=25181

[AirborneYak]

Originally Posted by Bert Vega

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ad.php?t=25181

I would say pick that up too. that yak has pretty much everything to get you on the water now!

[guest who]

I ended up buying a green ocean kayak 11' scrambler for $120 with seat and paddle. I know it's probably the equivalent of a beat up toyota corolla, but I figure I can play around with it and sell it for at least what I paid when I want to upgrade to something better. For now I need to get some safety gear so I can start using it in the Ventura harbor and the local kelp beds.

[TJones]

When your ready for surf launching we can hit up county . . You can advance your learning curve very rapidly . Or we can try Leo for starters .😀feel free to pm.https://www.facebook.com/george.clou...4855863689444/
Here's a short video from last week. I am on left . About to change shorts .

[Redeyejedi]

Originally Posted by guest who

I ended up buying a green ocean kayak 11' scrambler for $120 with seat and paddle. I know it's probably the equivalent of a beat up toyota corolla, but I figure I can play around with it and sell it for at least what I paid when I want to upgrade to something better. For now I need to get some safety gear so I can start using it in the Ventura harbor and the local kelp beds.

i was going to toss my two cents into the mix, but since you swooped on that...
gear up...suggested by bert was moken and not a bad deal at that. but look at the suggestions some of the folks have recommend, and those seats in
Bert's recommendation are amazing. I was in your shoes not too long ago. Ask yourself what all are you gonna be doing. i personally wanted a VERY stable platform to stand up and pee off of. literally, that was a factor in my purchase decision. i also dive and, and let others use my rig. all this had me buy a cobra fish n dive. not the most popular kayak, not the fastest, but i does what i need to; get me on the water and back.
some may argue that your paddle, seat, pfd and radio are even more important what you're sitting on top of but it's my opinion that it's the entire package and desired use that ditcates how much you're breaking out with and what you'll really enjoy.
just a few on my setup: cobra fishn dive- bought new. i saw a few used and went and checked, but for the asking price and condition, and being that my life can hinge on the purchase, i went new. yes, ouch
seat, exposure gear, pfd, are also very important to me.
i bought a feelfree seat online to replace the stocker, and i was amazed at the difference. i haven't gone werner paddle yet, but i assume an equal advantage gain. bottom line.....find out what you want to do, and properly accessorize so as to minimize fatigue while paddling/peddling, ease of gear retrieval, stability for your comfort level, portability, and most of all safety. don't skimp. as others have said, save up, for your first upgrade.
enjoy brother, and be safe out there,
Aaron

[TJones]

Originally Posted by FISH11

The X13 is designed for paddling and the Hobie (minus the mirage drive) is not. The X13 paddles faster then some larger kayaks but is narrower then most 14+foot kayaks so it trades off some stability. At 6'4" and 195lbs plus all the gear you need for ocean fishing, like bait tank, etc. I think even the X13 might be to short. For surf launching and landing a longer kayak works best, it also works better when the wind is blowing and it get like a washing machine out there. With your size I think you should look for an older Ocean Kayak Prowler or Malibu X factor or Stealth 14. Look for a kayak with a 31" to 33" width and over 14" in length. If you keep looking, they often show up on this site's for sale or trade threads. Better to buy once then be looking to change after only a short time of ocean fishing.

Unless you can afford the drive present or future . These yaks were not disighned with paddling as the primary source of propulsion .